Cocamide is a nonionic amide compound produced by the reaction of fatty acids from coconut oil with amines, such as ethanolamine or diethanolamine (DEA).
The most common commercial form is:

Cocamide DEA

Diethanolamide derived from coconut fatty acids

General Chemical Formula:
R–CO–N(CH₂CH₂OH)₂
(R represents a C₁₂–C₁₈ alkyl chain from coconut oil fatty acids)

Typical Properties of Cocamide

Property	Value / Description
Appearance	Light brownish-yellow viscous liquid
Odor	Mild, fatty, soap-like odor
Density (25°C)	0.98 – 1.01 g/cm³
Boiling Point	> 250°C (decomposes before boiling)
Viscosity (25°C)	2,000 – 3,000 cP
pH (10% aqueous solution)	9.5 – 10.5
Solubility in Water	Partially soluble – stable in emulsions
pH Stability Range	Stable between pH 4 – 11
Compatibility	Compatible with anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants

Applications of Cocamide

Personal Care Products

Used in shampoos, liquid soaps, shower gels, and facial cleansers
Acts as a foam booster and viscosity enhancer
Functions as a skin and hair conditioning agent

Household and Industrial Cleaners

Used in dishwashing liquids, multi-purpose cleaners, and surface detergents
Serves as a foam stabilizer and thickening agent

Industrial Uses

Emulsifying agent in industrial lubricants
Antistatic additive in textile processing

Advantages

Biodegradable and plant-based (derived from coconut oil)
Mild pH and skin-compatible
Effective in hard water conditions
Enhances foam stability and product smoothness
Suitable for sulfate-free formulations

Limitations

May form nitrosamines when combined with nitrite-containing materials
Can oxidize or discolor under high temperature or unstable pH conditions
High concentrations may cause irritation to sensitive skin

Safety and Handling

Safety Aspect	Guideline
Skin contact	Safe at normal use levels; gloves recommended for prolonged handling
Eye contact	May cause mild irritation; rinse immediately with plenty of water
Inhalation	Non-volatile; no vapor hazard under normal conditions
Flash Point	> 200°C
Storage	Store in HDPE drums or coated steel barrels, in a cool, dry, and shaded area
Chemical Compatibility	Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents
Environmental Stability	Biodegradable; low environmental hazard
Recommended Shelf Life	12 – 18 months under proper storage conditions

Summary

Cocamide DEA is a versatile nonionic surfactant and thickener derived from renewable coconut oil fatty acids.
It provides foam enhancement, viscosity control, and conditioning in a wide range of personal care, household, and industrial cleaning formulations.
Due to its biodegradability and natural origin, Cocamide DEA remains one of the most widely used secondary surfactants in mild detergent systems.